adult and children playing with a large canvas and balls

Here are the most commonly used funding programs and scholarships for students pursuing degrees in early childhood education.

General Funding and Scholarship Information

FAFSA or WASFA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid including grants, student loans, and work study opportunities. The Washington Application for State Financial Aid, or WASFA, determines eligibility for state financial aid including grants and work study opportunities.

Foundation Scholarships

The Pierce College Foundation offers quarterly scholarship opportunities for current Pierce College students. Be sure to check their website regularly for scholarship deadlines.

PARC

The Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections webpage, or PARC, has a section that provides resources for students seeking funding and employment.

Washboard

Washboard is a free searchable scholarship database for Washington residents and students.

Associate Degrees

Early Achiever's Grant

The Early Achievers Grant, or EAG, provides funding (tuition, books and student support services) to help current early learning professionals further their education.

Workforce Funding

Workforce programs help low-income students enrolled in approved career training programs pay for their education.

Grace Koopmans Scholarship and Athyleen Nicholson Scholarship

The Grace Koopmans Scholarship and Athyleen Nicholson Scholarship are scholarships available to students who are participating in one quarter of a student teaching capstone course and who demonstrate financial need.

Bachelor's Degrees

Child Care Aware Bachelors Pathway Scholarships

Child Care Aware provides scholarships for early learning professionals pursuing Bachelor of Applied Science, or BAS, programs in Washington state.

Washington State EWP Conditional Scholarships and Grants

The Washington State Educator Workforce Program, or EWP, provides grants and conditional scholarships to attract and retain teachers to work in subjects or locations of high need.

TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education, or TEACH, Grant program requires participants to complete a teaching service obligation as a condition for receiving the grant.